Question

Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?

Answer 1

This story could be a mixture of both: real life episode and a mere fiction. Mrs. Pumphrey is a rich lady and has a pet dog. It is because of her overindulgence that she overfeeds her dog which results in his being overweight and restless. Although her intention was not wrong but excess of everything is bad. This episode can be treated as a fiction for those who do not take things seriously. At the same time It can be called a real life episode for the people who take excessive care of their children and thus spoil their habits.

Answer 2

The character of Mrs. Pumphrey and the episodes involving her pampered pet, Tricki Woo, in James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" are based on Herriot's real-life experiences as a veterinarian. While some details and events are likely fictionalized or exaggerated for literary effect, the core of the story is rooted in Herriot's observations and encounters with real people and their pets. So, it can be considered a mixture of both real-life experiences and fictional elements.